Dubai: The UAE is known for its superlatives, and if you are headed to Dubai you’ll find many attractions that are the tallest, largest, and highest of their kind.
However, if you have only a couple of days to explore and are a first-time visitor to the city, your itinerary must include the world’s tallest building and the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. And it won’t cost you anything to enjoy a view of the Burj Khalifa and the shows. Here’s what you should know.
How much time will I need?
We would recommend budgeting at least 6 hours, if not a day (midday to evening), to enjoy everything at this destination which includes the fountain shows, shopping and food, At The Top in Burj Khalifa and, if time permits, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Is the Dubai Fountain free?
The Dubai Fountain reclaimed its title as the world’s largest choreographed fountain after the Palm Fountain closed.
The half-hourly water and light shows are perfectly choreographed to music and, with the shimmery lights of the Burj and the LED displays, is a beautiful experience.
And yes, the shows are completely free to watch. The first show is at 6pm and the last one is at 11pm with a show every 30 minutes.
The viewing area is a bridge linking the mall area and Souk Al Bahar, and this is adorned with lights and gives you the best shot at getting that perfect photo with the full length of Burj Khalifa in the background. Our tip – use the Panoramic mode on your phone camera and hold your phone vertically to get the full photo.
Pay to get closer
You can pay to get closer to the performance on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk or with a Dubai Fountain Lake Ride.
Guests can start their journey from Burj Park or Fountain promenade and stroll down the 272-metre Boardwalk, with the closest point putting you only 9 metres away from the fountains. The cost for this is Dh20 per person. The lake ride will cost around Dh68 per person.
Cost: Free, Starts at Dh20 to get closer on the Boardwalk or by abra on the Dubai Fountain lake
At The Top, Burj Khalifa
The iconic Burj Khalifa is postcard-Dubai and stands at an incredible height of 828 metres (2,716.5 feet). The tower houses the world’s highest observation deck in the world on Level 148, and you can get tickets to enjoy the sky-high views. You’ll be transported to these heights on the world’s fastest double-deck elevators, cruising at 10m/s.
Tickets that allow access to Levels 148, 124 and 125 need to be booked in advance and vary in price depending on the timing. There are also special sunrise/sunset offers for the weekend.
Operational hours are from 7am – 11pm, and prime hours are from 3pm to 7pm, when the ticket pricess are slightly higher.
Free entry for children
If you’d rather spend your time in a fine-dining setting, head to At.Mosphere in Burj Khalifa. Depending on your budget, plan your meal. You could do a budget-friendly business lunch here if you’re visiting on a weekday (from Dh200 per person) or go for an afternoon tea experience. Expect dizzying views and opulence here.
Cost: Starts at Dh259 per adult during prime hours and from Dh179 per adult during non-prime hours
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Tickets to this magical underwater attraction cost from Dh199 per person. If you love thrilling experiences, you can dive with sharks here.
Following a quick theory lesson, the dive instructor will inform guests of the basic safety guidelines and skills in the confines of a cage before they venture out for their dive in the 10 million litre aquarium.
The shark diving experience allows guests to share the water with sand tiger sharks, reef sharks, leopard sharks, tawny nurse sharks, giant groupers and stingrays, and a whole host of other marine species.
There are other experiences here that are shorter and more feasible for visitors who prefer something more laidback. Walk through The Aquarium Tunnel or take the Glass Bottom Boat ride instead. These should only take 15-30 minutes each, but other activities can take upward of an hour.
Cost: Starting from Dh199 for the basic package.
Shopping and dining
The Dubai Mall has stores of all the high-fashion brands you can think of and retail outlets for every budget, along with many award-winning cafes and restaurants.
The mall has several art installations that make for great backdrops for photos as well.
How to get there
Bus and Metro
The Dubai Metro stop dedicated to this destination is the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station. There is a Metro link here, which will take you directly into the mall.
If you’re taking the bus, use the S’Hail app to find out exactly how and when you can get to the destination depending on your departure point. There are several bus routes linking the city to this destination. The buses arrive and depart from the tourist drop-off area, located in front of the Grand Drive Entrance, on the Lower Ground Floor of Dubai Mall.
If you’re on a route that isn’t directly linked, head to the nearest Dubai Metro stop and take the metro.
Taxi or by car
Use the Google Maps app or Waze app to head to the location. There are several sign boards on the route to the destination, and the route will vary depending on where you're starting the trip from. The last leg is through Financial Centre Road and then Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, where you must follow signs for D921/Burj Khalifa.
